M.S. in Coaching and Athletic Administration: Curriculum

This course introduces students to theories, models, and practices of coaching as well as coaching principles and practice and how they contribute to effective coaching. Students will explore the context of coaching within the broader professions of team sports and one-on-one training.

The course provides an in-depth examination of the principles and practices of strength and conditioning as they apply to athletic performance. Throughout the course, the student will learn advanced concepts in exercise physiology, functional anatomy, sports nutrition, and risk management, and will be exposed to the latest research and trends in the field. The course will equip the student to become a leader in the field of strength and conditioning and apply ethical standards in high stakes performance environments.

Different theories of leadership and management styles are introduced and what their impact is on organizational structure, productivity, and decision making. Students will examine their individual management and leadership styles as they relate to sport management administration. This course will analyze how leadership is not only different from management but also more effective in today’s workplace.

This course provides insight as to what it takes to identify, qualify, and recruit prospects for a sport team. Students will examine effective recruiting operations from identifying prospects to recruiting players while maintaining compliance with rules and regulations.

Sales is an essential revenue producing function for any commercial organization. Sport and recreations have a unique marketing relationship of product and inventory with the consumer and marketplace. The course is designed for the student to learn the theoretical concepts and the application of skills and practices associated with the sports sales process. Through readings and lectures, the course will examine the rationale regarding the benefits and disadvantages of various sales and promotional methodologies. This course will then concentrate on promotional and sales strategies, campaigns, and techniques.

In this course, the student will examine the complex ethical issues that arise in the field, including issues of fairness, equality, and social justice. In addition, the student will explore ways in which social and cultural factors shape our understanding and experience of physical activity and sports. Topics will include issues related to gender, race, class, and disability in sport and exercise, as well as the ethical implications of research and practice in the field. The student will critically analyze problems and issues from an ethical and sociological perspective.

This course examines the integration of thought processes with the human body to produce skilled motor performance. Theoretical perspectives and mechanisms of motor behavior are examined and applied to significant systems involving gross motor learning and control in sport and exercise.

Psychology of sport and its applications for performance enhancement are examined. Special attention is given to theory and techniques for developing and refining psychological skills to enhance performance in the exercise science industry. Psychological aspects of exercise-related injury will also be explored within this course.

This course focuses on the integration of nutrition with molecular and cellular biochemistry of metabolism. Major topics discussed in this course include the metabolic effects of diet composition, the interactions of macronutrients, and dietary modifications and their associated impact upon performance.

This course is designed to provide the student with a thorough understanding of the research methodologies used in the field of kinesiology. The course will cover both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including topics such as research design, data collection and analysis, interviewing techniques, case studies, and action science. In addition to these technical skills, the course will also introduce students to the philosophy, ethics, and politics of research, helping them to understand the broader context in which research is conducted. The student will be well-equipped to design and conduct research in the field of kinesiology, and to critically evaluate the research of others.

This capstone course in kinesiology provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills throughout the graduate program to current, real-world situations. The course will focus on the practical application of kinesiology concepts within the industry and will serve as a culminating assessment of student learning. Students will have the opportunity to analyze and synthesize theoretical and research concepts from multiple perspectives, integrate scientific research to identify and analyze problems or trends, and model ethical decision-making in their work.